Mary Anna Evans' archeological mysteries have always been a favorite of mine. I was thrilled to see a new title by her. THE DARK LIBRARY has a seriously gothic vibe that the author uses to an advantage to create mood and suspense. There were a number of threads to connect by the end and she did a great job of connecting them all. The ultimate solution wasn't exactly a surprise, but the book needed a little more emphasis on the possibilities that turned out to be the solution. The characters were beautifully drawn and I enjoyed the read, just felt a little disappointment at the ending.

The Dark Library by Mary Anna Evans was a delightful departure from my usual reads—and I couldn’t put it down! The plot pulled me in, leaving me constantly wondering where the story would twist next. From the moment E's father’s secrets began to unravel, I was captivated, knowing that her journey would be one of discovery and determination.

E’s resilience as a female academic navigating a society stacked against women is both inspiring and deeply moving. Evans weaves this theme seamlessly into the narrative, making it a story as much about personal triumph as it is about mystery and history.

Bentham-on-Hudson, though fictional, felt entirely real to me. The vivid descriptions of the town, the striking beauty of E’s family home, and the evocative emotions tied to her circumstances—the loss of her parents and the financial burden she inherits—made it all leap off the page. I never once questioned the authenticity of the world Evans created.

Mary Anna Evans is a true master of her craft, delivering not only an engaging mystery but a poignant exploration of grief, ambition, and courage. I can’t recommend The Dark Library enough—especially for readers who, like me, find themselves entranced by characters who triumph against the odds. This one will stick with me for a long time!

"The Dark Library" didn't really work for me on any level: the characters weren't well developed, the plot didn't make any sense, and the writing just wasn't for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley , Mary Anna Evans and the publishers for offering me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel.

This one was not at all what I expected based on the blurb but I was pleasantly surprised. A mystery with many layers unfolds in this novel. When E is summoned home unexpectedly under the alarming circumstances that her mother is missing and her father is seriously ill , it is up to her to solve the mysteries around her parents, face her own past, balance a household & life all while a war takes place .


The layers of mystery are slowly revealed throughout the book in a way that keeps you hungry for more information . Mary Anna Evans did a stupendous job balancing the plot line & connecting you to the characters while building the realistic world of 1940s New York . The imagery was so captivating. The characters were so real you were ready to cheer them on like a dear friend and in some instances ready to fight those with ill intentions. While I thought it was going to be more focused on the books in the library throughout , it was a wonderful storyline and tied all together wonderfully in the end.

If you like a touch of historical fiction with layers of mystery and dark academia vibes this would be a great fit !

The Dark Library is a 1940s era story about a woman who discovers her family secrets in a very unexpected place.

The FMC Estella, who goes by E, has returned to the town that she grew up in after her mother’s mysterious disappearance and her father’s unexpected death. The police have searched everywhere for her mother’s body, but nobody has been able to find it, so E is convinced her mother is alive somewhere. E gets a job at the local college when she moves back to town, where a mysterious death occurs.

The story takes place in the 1940s, so the characters are going through all of the things that people experienced during WWII, like food rations, a lot of the younger men being gone, as well as mysterious people that may be spying, but you can’t ever really tell. You also get a glimpse into how hard it was for a single woman in the 40s’ to live on her own, E wasn’t able to just walk into a bank and take out money, or pay her own bills without the help of a man. Not only was E forced to move from where she lived comfortably, but she has been snooping around her parents house, that she now lives in, and starts to find some potentially very dark secrets about how her father made his money.

I enjoyed this story, it was somewhat slow-paced, and there are things that are mentioned or that occur, that you aren’t sure what their purpose is, but it all makes sense by the end of the story. The story kept my interest because the title is The Dark Library, so the entire story I was just waiting to learn what the title truly meant. Once you get there, it is like WOW. It is considered a suspense novel, and while it was suspenseful, it was a slow paced suspense, until that last maybe 10-15% of the book, than all of the secrets and mysteries sort of come out all at once. There are tidbits sprinkled throughout the story that make you wonder why is this or that happening, which does keep up the suspense, so it kept me reading because I really wanted to know what all these mysteries were. But as I mentioned I feel like the story is slow, and then the suspense and pace slowly builds on itself as you read through.

I really enjoyed this book, and would definitely read more like it!

Thank you to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and the author for a review copy of this book!

Mary Anna’s The Dark Library is an enthralling tapestry of mystery, historical intrigue, and the pursuit of knowledge, woven seamlessly into a narrative that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. The author masterfully creates an atmospheric world, drawing readers into the shadowy corridors of the titular library, where every book holds secrets, and every secret promises adventure.
The story revolves around Estella, a determined and resilient protagonist, whose journey to uncover the mysteries lurking in the library is both thrilling and inspiring. Mary Anna’s vivid descriptions breathe life into every scene, making you feel the musty scent of old pages and hear the creaks of ancient wooden floors. The pacing is just right, offering a perfect balance of suspense and revelation.
What sets this book apart is how effortlessly the author manages to merge the historical elements with an imaginative storyline. The complexity of the characters, paired with the library’s dark secrets, creates a compelling narrative that is both immersive and thought-provoking. Mary Anna’s prose is elegant yet accessible, making it easy to lose yourself in the story.
While the cast of characters is extensive, their roles are well-defined, adding depth to the narrative. Estella’s journey is a testament to courage, curiosity, and the power of knowledge. The twists and turns keep you guessing until the very end, ensuring that the book remains engaging throughout.
Overall, The Dark Library is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction and mysteries. Mary Anna’s storytelling brilliance shines through, making this a captivating and unforgettable read.

Once I got into this book, I loved it. I am a big fan of World War fiction with women as the main characters. I really like Rhys Bowens work, and you would love this book if you also like Rhys Bowen.

I found the writing style captivating. The sunspense held my attention, I loved the mystery surrounding her mother and I couldn't put this book down. I loved how this is a mix of gothic, mystery, historical fiction, and womens fiction.

I thought the characters were really well written, and I really liked the main character - Estella. I found the mystery of the story was well woven throughout the novel and the ending was great too - it was a big surprise! This read was heaps of fun and thought provoking.

Personally this was slow starter but once it got going I couldn't book the book down lol
The story is set during World War II, plot follows Estella; who returns to her family home Rockfall House; after the death of her father and disappearance of her mother, she takes a teaching position at the college her father once governed.
Her father has a library of rare books that were off limits to her during his time, as Estella uncovers secrets she also confronts family mysteries.

This read took me a minute to get into but as the story started to unfold I found myself hooked wanting to know what happened to her mother,
If you enjoy gothic academia or historical fiction with suspense and mystery then this book is for you

Synopsis: Dr. Estella Ecker returns home from Boston to her rickety mansion after her mother suddenly disappears and her father suffers a stroke. After her father dies, Estella, or E, remains living in the house with the longtime housekeeper and family friend, Annie. Unable to obtain a professor position despite her qualifications, E takes a research assistant position at the local college to pay the bills. Her extravagant parents had left them in a precarious financial position, especially during the restrictions of wartime. Given her newfound freedom, E begins to uncover the mystery of who her father really was and tries to piece together what really happened to her mother on the last day she was seen. Meanwhile, Estella is worried that someone is watching her and the house. There are footprints on the grounds, strange lights and boats just offshore from Rockfall Bluff, and windows found open. Is Estella in danger?

Commentary: I found The Dark Library to be a wonderful escape. The reader will find themselves immersed in a gothic mystery set in the WWII era in small-town New York state. Estella is intelligent, adventurous and courageous – a likeable protagonist. She has overcome the systemic oppression of women to achieve a doctorate in literature, and is frustrated by the limitations that society and powerful men place on her. Her mother disappeared under very suspicious circumstances nearly a year ago, and immediately afterward, her father collapsed and died two weeks later. Estella has been working on the assumption that her mother is dead, murdered by her father, who was cruel and had a vicious temper. She has never stopped looking for her mother or trying to determine what might have happened to her. In the meantime, she has assumed the reins of the household, sorting through the contents of her father’s home and discovering startling information.

I could not put this book down once events started hurtling towards the explosive conclusion. My only critique would be that in the final pages of the novel, critical pieces of information and history are explained to the reader, and they came as a surprise. These events should have been mentioned, or at least hinted at, earlier in the novel. It is very much a case of “show me, don’t tell me”. For me that is what made this book a 4-star read instead of a 5-star. It is still a cracking good gothic mystery and I am glad I read it. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press.

3.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley for the Arc. All thoughts are my own

I actually had a lot of fun reading this. It was a historical fiction set in New York during World World 2, following E, our English Ph.D holding protagonist. I really liked E and her friends as characters, although I wish her friends and the other supporting characters were fleshed out some more. The opening scene was absolutely incredible and I loved how E was shown as struggling to process her grief. I honestly wasn't sure which direction the plot was going to head, and I thought at first it was a simple murder mystery but it turned into so much more.

There are several small issues I did have with the story though. The book was paced very slowly with me wondering several times what was going to happen next because it felt like nothing was happening at the moment. The language that all of the characters used felt a bit older than the 1940's and honestly felt like belonged in the 1800's instead. I also wish more of E's upbringing was dived into, especially her history with her dad.

All in all, this was an extremely interesting historical fiction and I was very satisfied with the ending and how all of the pieces fell into place throughout.

Dark gothic academia.

This is right up my alley. Oooo I loooooved the vibes this book gave out.

Estella took me on quite a journey.
I really did enjoy this story.

The book opens with quite a shocker. I don’t wanna say too much and spoil anything but I was HOOKED.

Dealing with events surrounding her parents, the town etc was sooo much fun.

Tq for this opportunity.

The Dark Library by Mary Anna Evans is a curiously interesting novel about E, Estella Emily Ecker, who is called back from her teaching job in Boston, to her family's fledgling estate in the Hudson Valley because her father had a stroke and her mother is missing. E is hired at a local university as a research assistant and English instructor as she unravels her father's finances and searches for her mother. Set in and around WWII, E and her family's loyal housekeeper, Annie, work to keep the estate afloat. The novel unravels family secrets and ties to Nazi loyalists and the KKK. Recommended for book discussion groups that enjoy historical fiction.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

Estella (who prefers to distance herself from her past by calling herself E) was able to shake off her unhappy home in the Hudson River Valley until her much-loathed father has a fatal stroke and her mother has vanished. She takes a research job at the small college where her father was a bigwig, hoping to get a faculty position, given America is now at war and many of the college's male staff have been called up. But that's not happening, and she's doing her best with a meager salary to take care of herself and a long-term family housekeeper who was more of a mother to her than her distant, and now missing, mother, who she is desperate to find. Had she thrown herself off a height into the Hudson? Her body isn't found, though those of other women are.

There's a strong Gothic flavor to this mystery, as well as a complex family dynamic and elements of history that have resonance with today. While I'm not normally a fan of the Gothic, and the protagonist's speech patterns seemed more nineteenth century than mid-twentieth, I found myself caught up in the story with all its dramatic weather and creepy, tumble-down architecture. I found it imaginative and a fun departure from current mystery tropes.

**I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own**

In The Dark Library, Mary Anna Evans takes readers into the library of a young woman’s father who recently passed away. As hidden truths come to light, she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue, betrayal, and the possibility of love—all while trying to solve a mystery that could cost her everything.

This book was such a delight to read! The pacing was perfect, keeping the suspense alive without dragging things out or rushing through the plot. I really liked that the story takes place in 1941-1942 during WW2. I’m a sucker for war novels so this was a great read. Also, the touch of romance was a pleasant surprise—it was subtle, never overwhelming, and blended beautifully with the main storyline.

What really stood out to me was how unpredictable it was. Just when I thought I had it figured out, there’d be a twist that completely caught me off guard. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

If you’re looking for a story that’s atmospheric, thrilling, and just the right amount of romantic, The Dark Library is a must-read. Highly recommend.

Pacing. Pacing is the only issue. It was a long road to get there, but we arrived at a satisfying conclusion.
I had a hard time getting through the first half of the book. There are areas that could use more speeding up, such as the fall/tower scene or the time E spends sailing with Devan. (Also, how realistic is it for a woman to go by an initial in this time period? A man, yes. But a woman?) But by the time I reached the final third of the book, I was hooked and invested in finding out what happened and who was involved. I just wish I would have gotten there sooner. I appreciated all of the small details coming together to tell a thorough story of the overall tragedy. Things like the mushrooms or the timing of the scream were so miniscule, that I completely overlooked it. If the author can step up the pace from the get-go, I will be all in for whatever new title she writes in the future. Overall, it was a good book and I was not disappointed. I could see this being a decent Netflix movie, TBH.

The story of The Dark Library takes place in the 1940s, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Men are being called up to serve in the military, and women are left at home to carry on in vacated jobs. A major theme through the book is the inequities and prejudices women faced in a working environment governed by men. The main character, Estella Ecke, is a professor teaching English literature, educated at an Ivy League school, and she can not obtain the same level of financial and academic recognition as her less experienced, non- Ivy League, unpublished male colleagues. She can’t even get an office comparable to offices assigned to male professors, and that’s another bone of contention she discusses within the first chapters of the book with the Dean of Arts and Sciences. That discussion becomes a point of interest as death and mysteries enter the picture.

Estella’s parents present some of the biggest mysteries Estella finds herself trying to solve. Knowing what happened to her missing mother is an ongoing quest since her disappearance eight months previous. Is she dead, a run away mother, kidnapped, murdered, what? Estella’s persistent questions and requests for action when her mother first went missing set up a future contentious and disrespectful relationship for Estella with the chief of police. He dismisses her concerns and input about events occurring during the course of the story. It’s another example of the recurring theme of men discounting women’s value or intellectual abilities. It also underscores a theme of some people being wedded to knowledge and truth while others manipulate reality to suit their own agendas.

Estella’s father was highly recognized for his intellectual abilities within the English department where Estella’s now works. Although credentialed as a professor, she is hired as a research assistant while men with questionable credentials are hired as professors. Finding out why these professors were hired is one of the mysteries Estella wants to solve. In the process, she begins to learn about possibly questionable dealings engaged in by her father, about cronyism and about dishonest behaviors and actions taken by various characters. Estella questions herself, as well as what she thought she knew about other people. Her focus is to learn the truth about all of the unanswered questions and unexplained situations facing her now and in the past.

Throughout the book, Estella has two steadfast female friends, and she eventually has two potential romantic relationships. Doubts and questions even touch these relationships. She has unwavering support from and respect for her housekeeper and friend Annie. The dynamics of the relationships throughout the book paint a picture of the social structure and expectations of the time. Part of the mystery for me throughout the book was wondering where the author was going with a newly introduced character or event. At times, there wasn’t much, or any, lead up to a new element in the story, so my interest in reading further was often based upon wanting to find out how the new element fit into the story, to find out why the story suddenly took this turn or added that character. Initially, referring to characters as Dr. Chase, Dr. Masters, etc., made it challenging for me to sort out the characters, although I recognized it was a convention of the time and environment.

This is the first book I’ve read by Mary Anna Evans. I would read another book she wrote, perhaps to see if her style of storytelling remains the same or changes with a different setting and time for the story. The Dark Library is moderately paced but has enough “what’s next” moments to keep the reader engaged.

If you like Gothics in the sense of menace and secrets and brave women who find ways to face the unthinkable, you're in for a treat with The Dark Library. In this case the setting is a bit more recent than it is in many Gothics—the novel is set in a small college town in New York just after the U.S. has entered WWII. Estella Ecker, our heroine, has a PhD in Literature from an ivy league college, but is stuck in a "research assistant" position, which means completing not only her own work, but that of other "real" faculty members as well. She does get to teach classes, but her rate of pay is nothing like that of her male colleagues.

Her father, who is now dead, was once a top administrator at the college. He was a difficult man, had fierce beliefs about what literature was and wasn't, and didn't suffer fools gladly (and in his world, almost everyone is considered a fool). His library of rare books is the jewel of the family home, a manor built on a cliff above the town.

Days before Estella's father died, her mother disappeared. The local police are content to assume she must have committed suicide—she was "fragile"—and aren't really interested in investigating. Estella's mother was difficult in her own way: icy, reserved, focused on her appearance and on hostessing grand dinner parties.

As the novel opens Estella meets with with the head of her division, asking for a better office. She's unsuccessful—and within a few minutes of their conversation, he throws himself off a balcony, a clearly intended suicide.

Estella is, as one might imagine, spread very thinly, still trying to understand her father's sudden death due to stroke, determined to continue hunting for her mother, and gradually coming to the realization that much of the town hated her father (but why?) and now hates her. She does, at least, have two childhood friends she's reconnected with, so she's not entirely alone.

As I said at the onset, if you like Gothic novels, you're in for a treat with The Dark Library. My summary is a bit sketchy because a great many things happen in the novel and I want to avoid spoilers, but trust me, it's a great read for a dark night or a rainy weekend.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Net Galley; the opinions are my own.

Dr. Estella "E" Esher has reluctantly returned home from Boston after receiving notice that her father has fallen ill and her mother has disappeared. When she gets to the large estate her professor father had built, she finds him clinging to life but unable to speak coherently. He dies soon after. That leaves E at the house with the faithful family servant, Annie. E soon takes a job as a "research assistant" at the local university where her father taught for many years. She also begins teaching classes since most of the men have been called up to serve in WWII. E soon discovers there is little money left to run the family estate, and since she's a woman, the university feels justified in paying her a pittance. She decides she must sell some of her father's art and precious books to keep the household running as she tries to discover what happened to her mother. Much to her despair, the expert called in to evaluate her father's belongings doesn't give her much hope that they will fetch much on the re-sale market. Her father's lawyer, who helps her with financial matters, has proposed marriage out of the blue. E might have been tempted to accept if it wasn't for the newly hired attractive young professor at her school. While E and Annie try to figure out what happened to her mother, E soon learns that her father had even more secrets hidden about the house that nearly everyone in town (as well as even more important people) will do anything to keep secret.

The book picked up in the last few chapters, but it was a real struggle to get there. Not a lot seemed to happen after the startling suicide of E's boss at the university at the start of the book. I wasn't exactly sure what the book was trying to be -- a mystery? (there didn't seem to be much mystery going on), a romance? historical fiction? It was hard to get a handle on what sort of book this was. And until the end of the book, the library in the title was very much absent. I liked the way the different aspects of the story were tied up at the end, but it was a long slog to reach the conclusion.

I tried multiple times to get through this book.

The story was all over the place and made little sense.

The characters were hard to visualize and I really didn't care for them.


NetGalley/ Poison Pen June 24, 2025